05/20/2025
Tiger Historical Center and Museum
Opens for the 2025 Season: Friday, May 23rd
Recollections of a Bygone Community at the Crossroads of Pend Oreille County History
At the confluence of Highways 20 and 31 in northeastern Washington State, nestled in Pend Oreille County, lies the small community of Tiger—or rather, what remains of it. Today, the Tiger Historical Center and Museum stands as the sole surviving structure from a once-active settlement. Though little else of the original town endures, this modest building offers a powerful testament to the rugged resilience and industriousness of early settlers in this region.
Originally established in the 1880s, the town took its name from George Tiger, one of its earliest residents, who constructed a riverboat landing along the Pend Oreille River. During the late 19th century, this stretch of the river was a vital transportation artery, and Tiger soon became a regular stop for riverboats transporting passengers and goods throughout the valley.
Tiger’s prominence increased in 1909 with the arrival of the Idaho & Washington Northern Railroad. The town became a flag stop, further integrating it into the expanding commercial network of the Inland Northwest. The forests around Tiger, rich in Western White and Ponderosa Pine along with Douglas Fir, Western Larch and Red Cedar among others, supported a number of small milling operations, which produced poles and railroad ties essential to the growing infrastructure of the region. At its industrial height, the St. Regis Lumber Company operated a drying and shipping yard that stretched a quarter of a mile along the tracks—evidence of the town's once-bustling economic activity.
The Tiger Store, constructed in 1912 near the relocated railroad line, became the community’s hub. It functioned as a general store and post office, reportedly serving over 2,000 people at its peak. Beyond commerce, the store served as a social anchor in a community that stretched from the riverbank to nearly half a mile inland.
But as the 20th century progressed, Tiger's fortunes declined. The post office closed in 1975, and in the decades that followed, residents gradually relocated to larger towns, drawn by improved transportation and broader opportunities. The once-thriving settlement slipped quietly into near-obscurity.
However, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and historical advocates, the Tiger Store was not lost to time. A major restoration effort in 1999 breathed new life into the building. Today, it houses the Tiger Historical Center and Museum, which preserves the memory of the town and its people. The site features original postal fixtures, a recreated blacksmith's forge, historic photographs, and a curated selection of regional artifacts. It also serves as a rest stop and information center for travelers exploring the Pend Oreille Valley Scenic Byway and the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway.
Open seasonally from around Memorial Day through September, the museum welcomes visitors Thursday through Monday from 10am to 4pm. For those passing by after hours, an outdoor kiosk offers maps and historical context at any time of day.
In a region shaped by the natural environment and the determination of its settlers, Tiger endures not as a ghost town, but as a carefully preserved piece of living history. The Tiger Historical Center and Museum stands as both guardian and storyteller—ensuring that the spirit of this once-vibrant community is not forgotten.
John Nordstrand
Tiger Historical Center Contributor
